A Place for Us

After spending a few days visiting family in the Phoenix area, it is time to get back to work!  For several years, we have heard about some great RV parks in the Apache Junction area for women like us, who like to RV and want warm sunshine in the winter.  Today Jane and I visited one park and had a wonderful conversation with the woman who is currently the head honcho.  We felt very comfortable in this environment and both agreed that it would be a nice place to live.  Women were very friendly and the entire place seemed to have good "juju."  When I asked about where residents went when they were unable to stay in their home, I was told that most were cared for by a network of friends within the park -- like co-housing.  When one resident needed to be in a facility with more skilled nursing care, there was a place nearby that was accepting of the woman's partner and recognized their relationship as we would wish all would do.  

When I described my research project and the need for change within senior housing with more out LBGT baby boomers looking at our needs and wants, I was told that this organization too, is thinking about how they market themselves to potential residents.  Will LGBT have a need to be separate as we age?  I admit, it felt wonderful to be in the company of women as we walked and biked around the park.  How would it feel to be with all women again almost all of the time?  Is an inclusive, blended community (straight and LGBT) really where we want to be?  I hope this 6 month adventure will help us make that decision.